Former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Williamson County businessman Bill Lee stuck to the issues and avoided any mudslinging Tuesday, when the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees squared off in the first of three debates.

As the two candidates fielded roughly 20 questions at the University of Memphis, clear distinctions began to emerge over Medicaid expansion, universal pre-K and regional transit.

The hourlong televised debate was sponsored by The Commercial Appeal and the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee, WMC Action News 5, the University of Memphis, the League of Women Voters and the Economic Club of Memphis.

Tame but topical

Unlike last week's fiery U.S. Senate debate between Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn and former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, Tuesday's gubernatorial head-to-head matchup between Lee and Dean remained cordial.

Lee never mentioned his opponent's name, while Dean did once, highlighting the Republican nominee's past support for school vouchers.

Although the debate's format did not leave either candidate an opportunity to offer a rebuttal to their opponent's answer — that was at the discretion of the moderators — there was only one time when they went briefly off script.

On a question about transportation, Dean asked for additional time to respond after Lee answered. A moderator granted time to Dean, who simply elaborated on his earlier answer.

By and large, the two candidates stuck to substance over bombast when answering questions, with Dean frequently noting his support for Medicaid expansion and Lee highlighting his business experience.

Democratic candidate Karl Dean looks at the crowd at the start of the gubernatorial debate at the University of Memphis' Michael D. Rose Theater in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Henry Taylor / The Jackson Sun

Cadets and midshipmen of the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force ROTC programs at the University of Memphis present the colors before the start of the debate between Tennessee's gubernatorial candidates Democrat Karl Dean and Republican Bill Lee at the University of Memphis' Michael D. Rose Theater in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis President M. David Rudd speaks before the start of the debate between Tennessee's gubernatorial candidates Democrat Karl Dean and Republican Bill Lee at the University of Memphis' Michael D. Rose Theater in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis issues front and center

Tuesday’s debate between Lee and Dean was their only West Tennessee meeting, and the panelists grilled them on issues that affect Memphis — addressing violent crime, protecting the Memphis Sand Aquifer, attracting jobs to the Memphis Megasite and boosting workforce development.

Dean and Lee diverged on how they would address transportation issues, in response to a question about the state’s role in ensuring Memphis residents have reliable public transportation.

A difference in style

As the candidates closed out the evening they made their case for why they should be the 50th governor of Tennessee.

Dean said he would be a pragmatic, commonsense, get-it-done governor, who has government experience and would be able to reach across the aisle. Like he did when he was running in the primary, Dean appeared comfortable on stage, as he seamlessly reeled off his top priorities, which include education, health care and economic opportunity.

Lee, who before this election has never run for public office, took a different approach, instead sharing a story about how humbled he was knowing that people were supporting his candidacy.

He briefly touched upon personal tragedies he's experienced before vowing to work to make Tennessee a better place for everyone.

After the debate, both candidates' campaigns touted their performance. Although no clear winner emerged, what was evident from the head-to-head matchup was the two candidates are both hoping their different styles and approaches could translate to a general election win.